Description:
English delft dry drug jar with a blue cartouche with a straight-edge panel labeled "EX : JALAP :" The jar held an extract ("EX" on label) of Jalap or Jalapium, the tubercles of "Ipomoea purga" and some other convolvulaceous plants and the resin furnished by the tubercles. "Grey's Supplement to the Pharmacopia" states: "a very active purgative....in hypochondriacal diseases and bilious temperaments it gripes violently....should be prescribed to be infused in white wine." Dr. Thomas Williams (1718-1775), the first of the three Williams doctors in Deerfield, prescribed Extract of Jalapium. The scrolled-edge cartouche is decorated with the churub design, the most common decoration on 18th century delft drug jars. The top center shell is flanked by two tall flower sprays, and a winged churub in each top corner looking over its shoulder and holding a floral spray. The center bottom edge has a small cherub's head with a pendant tassel, folded wings, and swags with a large center flower and vines. The baluster-shaped jar has an everted rim used to hold the tied-on parchment cover, over an incurving neck, broad shoulders tapering down to a flat, circular base with an incurving foot.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+91.234 |
